The Academic Strategies of College Students During the Vietnam War Era
Historical Context and Overview
The draft during the Vietnam War posed a significant threat to many young men in the United States, leading to a multitude of strategies to avoid being drafted. One such strategy involved enrolling in easier classes to maintain a high GPA. This was particularly relevant given the Selective Service System's policy of deferring military service for students making satisfactory academic progress. This paper explores the motivations behind these academic strategies, discussing the broader cultural and social context of the Vietnam War era.
Student Deferment and GPA Concerns
As the story from unknown highlights, some college students prioritized ease over academic rigor to maintain a high GPA. This was because the Selective Service System allowed deferment for college enrollment as long as satisfactory academic progress was being made. However, the actual policy regarding GPA was not clearly stated, leading many students to believe that as long as they maintained a minimum grade point average, they could avoid the draft. The narrative also suggests that some professors passed more students to avoid the consequences of failing them, which could include retaliation or legal troubles. Both of these factors contributed to the trend of students seeking to inflate their GPAs through less challenging courses.
Beyond the Academic Deferral
The broader cultural context of the time played a significant role in these behaviors. As unknown mentions, many young people were opposed to the U.S. involvement in Vietnam and sought ways to avoid military service. This resistance manifested not only in academic strategies but also in other forms, such as drafting alternative policies or using personal connections to avoid the draft.
In my personal experience, I too was a child during the Vietnam War, which ended in 1975, at the age of 17. The transitioning period saw a change in the draft regulations. Before 1975, a B or B minus grade was sufficient to avoid the draft. My perspective aligns with the belief that many students chose easier courses to maintain a good standing. If it had come to the worst, I was prepared to go to Canada, a common choice for those wanting to avoid the draft.
University-Level Strategies
The phenomenon of seeking easier classes was not limited to individual students but also influenced the actions of universities themselves. During the Vietnam War era, some colleges saw an increase in enrollment, partly due to students seeking to stay in school as a means of deferring the draft. This strategy allowed them to delay enlistment without having to leave their academic pursuits.
Reflections on the Direct Response to the Draft
Historically, the II-S deferment did not require a specific grade point average, as long as the student remained in good standing with the university. However, those who struggled academically often did so with the hope of pursuing further education, such as graduate or professional school, which could provide additional deferments. While jobs were seen as an attractive future, the ultimate option remained military service, where the road to becoming an officer was less challenging.
The Wisdom of the Guidance Given to Avoid the Draft
The account from the kind lady at the local draft board provides insight into the practical ways to avoid the draft. She explained that many were willing to accept jail time rather than go to war, knowing that the military would ultimately choose the homeless or poor to fill its ranks. Her words reflect the broader social and economic disparities within the nation. The approximately 58,000 U.S. military casualties and the several hundred thousand wounded reflect the human cost of the war, as well as the significant loss of Vietnamese life, which is often not included in official statistics.
Respect for Those Who Served
While academic strategies were common, the respect for those who served is immense. Despite the trauma and losses, the public and government often neglected the heroes who returned home. The same respect extends to those who came after Vietnam, those who served and died, or those whose lives were irrevocably altered by their service. Their sacrifices deserve the recognition and gratitude they have never fully received.